SoftBank Japan SIM Card: Prepaid SIM for Travel

Is a SoftBank Japan SIM card a good choice for a visitor?

It can be, for data. SoftBank's English site describes a Prepaid SIM for Travel for foreign visitors. It is data only, a physical SIM, and the sign-up is strict. We read SoftBank's page on 8 October 2026.

What can a visitor buy?

The Prepaid SIM for Travel is a data-only service with no voice calling. SoftBank says it is sold at SoftBank shops, consumer electronics stores and SoftBank rental counters at airports. The price of the starter SIM is set by the retailer, so the page gives no figure. An additional plan listed on the page was 500 MB for 31 days at 1,650 yen, but SoftBank stopped accepting applications for the 500 MB plan on 18 February 2025 and says you must newly subscribe to the Prepaid SIM for Travel. So we are not treating that price as current; check the page before you buy.

What do you need?

According to the page, you need a SIM-lock-free phone with a camera, your original passport (SoftBank says other documents cannot be accepted), and to be at least 18. A Visa, MasterCard or JCB credit card is needed for buying additional plans. Service starts within about 30 minutes of the application being processed. You set up the APN and register on SoftBank's site.

Does SoftBank have a tourist eSIM?

The travel page we read mentions only a physical SIM. Another SoftBank page describes eSIM and Apple SIM use for other prepaid products. We found no source saying the tourist SIM comes as an eSIM, so ask SoftBank before you plan on one. Several of these pages are not recent.

SoftBank coverage: what SoftBank says

The page says the service uses the SoftBank network and lists the LTE bands 1, 3, 8 and 41, plus 3G bands 1 and 8. That is a compatibility check for your phone, not a coverage claim. The page makes no percentage claim for coverage. Look at SoftBank's coverage map for your route.

SoftBank versus a travel eSIM

A physical SIM means finding a shop, taking your passport and registering. A travel eSIM is installed before you leave home. The trade-off is that SoftBank's SIM runs on a local network and may be easier to troubleshoot in person. The Japan comparison page sets them side by side. Other options are au by KDDI's povo Japan SIM, NTT Docomo and Rakuten Mobile.

For the wider picture see our Japan SIM and eSIM hub, the Japan SIM card comparison and our cheapest eSIM page. This page is desk research from the carriers' own public pages, not a test of any plan.

Common questions

Does SoftBank sell a Japan SIM card for tourists?

Yes. SoftBank's English site describes a Prepaid SIM for Travel for foreign visitors. It is data only with no voice calling, sold at SoftBank shops, electronics stores and airport rental counters. You need your original passport and a SIM-lock-free phone.

What do I need to buy the SoftBank Prepaid SIM for Travel?

SoftBank's page lists a SIM-lock-free phone with a camera, your original passport with no other documents accepted, and being at least 18. A credit card (Visa, MasterCard or JCB) is needed to buy additional plans. Check the page for current terms.

Is there a SoftBank eSIM for visitors?

The Prepaid SIM for Travel page mentions only a physical SIM. We found no source saying the tourist product comes as an eSIM. Ask SoftBank before planning on one, because a different page describes eSIM use for other prepaid products.

Where can I buy a SoftBank SIM card in Japan?

SoftBank says the Prepaid SIM for Travel is sold at SoftBank shops, consumer electronics stores and SoftBank rental counters at airports. The starter SIM price is set by the retailer, so ask at the counter.

Is a SoftBank Japan SIM card cheaper than a travel eSIM?

We cannot say because the page does not give a starter SIM price, and the 500 MB plan it lists has closed to new applications. Compare current prices on our cheapest eSIM page with what the retailer quotes.

SoftBank Japan SIM card: a data-only prepaid SIM, passport required